If Colorado simply handles its business the rest of the way and beats three teams, Utah, Kansas and Oklahoma State (with a combined record of 10-18), the Buffaloes will have a spot in the Big 12 Championship Game and a chance to play their way into the College Football Playoff, completing an incredible turnaround from last year’s four-win season.

Shedeur Sanders overcame a shaky start to throw three touchdown passes, LaJohntay Wester returned a punt 76 yards for a score and No. 18 Colorado pulled away late to beat Utah 49-24.

Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders threw his first interception in three games on the first play of Saturday’s game against Utah, only to dominate the rest of the way in a 49-24 victory over the Big 12 preseason AP Poll favorite.

Shedeur Sanders threw for 340 yards and three touchdowns as No. 17 Colorado withstood a late rally in a 49-24 win over Utah on Saturday in Boulder, Colo. Sanders connected

Despite putting up the highest point total on Utah by any team in nearly a decade, Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders had a rocky first half in what was ultimately a 49-24 win. After the game, he felt compelled to apologize.